Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic treatment in which thin glass-ceramic shells are bonded to the front surface of the teeth with strong adhesives, after very light preparation of that surface or, in some cases, none at all. Because only the visible surface is treated rather than reducing and covering the whole tooth, the rest of the tooth remains natural. They are also known as laminate veneers.
- Minimal preparation of the front surface only
- Metal-free, zirconia-free glass ceramic (E-max, Empress)
- Long-lasting colour stability with porcelain
- Preparation depth planned in advance with smile design
Treatment process
Smile design
The new tooth shapes are planned first, and the exact amount of preparation needed is calculated at this stage.
Minimal preparation
A very thin layer is removed only from the surface facing the lips and cheeks; in some cases no preparation is needed.
Digital impression
A precise digital impression is taken with the CAD-CAM system and transferred to the computer.
Milling and try-in
The veneers are milled from a glass-ceramic block, finished for aesthetics and tried in the mouth.
Adhesive bonding
Once approved, the veneers are bonded to the teeth with special adhesives in a precise, careful procedure.
What are porcelain veneers?
Veneers are thin, durable ceramic shells applied to the surface of the teeth. Instead of reducing the whole tooth for a crown, only the visible surface is lightly prepared, and both the shape and the colour of the tooth can be changed. This makes veneers one of the most widely used techniques in cosmetic dentistry.
Porcelain veneers are all-ceramic restorations with no metal or zirconia inside. They are made from E-max or Empress glass ceramics and are attached to the front of the tooth with very strong adhesives. The key advantage is that only the front of the tooth is treated, while its other surfaces stay in their original state.
Do veneers really need no drilling?
One of the most common misconceptions is that veneers never involve any preparation of the teeth. No-prep veneers are possible in some cases, but most require a very thin layer to be removed from the front surface.
The amount of preparation should be calculated to the millimetre according to a smile design made beforehand. Otherwise, the teeth can end up larger than intended, and people may comment that the new teeth look too big.
Veneers demand more meticulous work than most other restorations. Careful preparation and planning are essential to achieve the intended aesthetic result.
Porcelain or composite veneers?
Veneers can be made from porcelain or from composite:
- Composite veneers are built up directly in the mouth by the dentist and can be completed in a single visit of about 1–2 hours. However, they are affected more quickly by tea, coffee and smoking.
- Porcelain veneers are designed with the CAD-CAM system and milled from a glass-ceramic block. They keep their colour for a long time, have a glossy surface and last longer than composite.
Porcelain veneers used to take 5–7 days because of laboratory stages. With CAD-CAM technology, an impression taken in the morning can now be turned into finished veneers the same day. Some patients choose composite bonding first and move to porcelain veneers later.
When are veneers recommended?
Veneers can address many cosmetic concerns in the front teeth:
- Stained or yellowed teeth that have not responded to whitening
- Chipped or cracked-looking tooth surfaces
- Gaps between the teeth (diastema)
- Slightly crooked, angled or crowded front teeth, for patients who prefer not to have orthodontic treatment
- Short-looking teeth that need to be lengthened
- Teeth with sensitivity or loss of function due to severe enamel wear
Whether veneers are suitable is decided after a clinical examination and smile design.
Caring for your veneers
Veneers need the same daily care as natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing are important for the health of both the veneers and the gums.
- Avoid biting on hard objects such as nutshells or pens.
- Attend regular dental check-ups.
- Tell your dentist if you clench or grind your teeth at night.
At our clinic in Denizli, Turkey, veneer treatment is planned individually, based on your smile design and examination findings.
Frequently asked questions
Will my teeth be filed down for veneers?
In most cases only a very thin layer is removed from the front surface of the tooth, and sometimes no preparation is needed at all. The amount is calculated in advance with smile design, and the other surfaces of the tooth are preserved.
Should I choose porcelain or composite veneers?
Composite veneers are placed in a single visit and are easy to repair, but they tend to stain more over time. Porcelain veneers offer long-lasting colour stability and a glossy surface. The choice depends on the condition of your teeth and your expectations.
How long does veneer treatment take?
Composite veneers can be completed in one visit of about 1–2 hours. Porcelain veneers made with CAD-CAM can be finished on the same day as the impression. Smile design and preparatory stages may add to the overall timeline.
Do veneers change colour over time?
Porcelain veneers keep their colour for a long time. Composite veneers can be affected more quickly by tea, coffee and smoking.
Can veneers be used instead of braces for crooked teeth?
Mild crowding or angulation in the front teeth can be corrected with veneers for patients who prefer not to have orthodontic treatment. If the teeth are not in a suitable position, orthodontics may be needed first; this is decided after the examination.
What should I watch out for after getting veneers?
Avoid biting hard objects, brush and floss regularly and keep up with dental check-ups. If you clench or grind your teeth, let your dentist know.
The information on this website is for general information only and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or treatment plan by a dentist. Treatment and outcomes vary from person to person.